When a window breaks in your home, you should leave the repairs or replacement to the professionals. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure safety and prevent the situation from getting worse while you wait for help to arrive. You can follow these steps to stay safe when dealing with a broken window.
Handle Any Emergencies First
The immediate safety of you and your family is the top priority. If you or someone else has been injured by broken glass, you need to reach out to emergency services and seek medical care right away.
If your broken window is due to storm damage, such as fallen trees, then the area may still pose an immediate danger. High winds, hurricanes, and tornadoes cause over a hundred deaths in the U.S. each year. Avoiding that area until it is safe can help prevent serious injury.
Secure the Immediate Area
Even if you aren’t in the middle of an emergency situation, a broken window is still dangerous. Let anyone else at home know to avoid the area. If you have pets, either block off the affected room or isolate them in a safe area. You don’t want an already difficult situation getting any worse.
Call the Professionals
You should reach out to professionals as soon as you can to find a fast solution for your broken window or glass door. The sooner they know you need repairs, the faster they’ll be there. You’ll want to get your new window pane or window frame as soon as possible to prevent moisture and pest infiltration into your home, so call right away.
Clean Up Any Mess
Dealing with shards of glass can be dangerous, but simply leaving them lying around is worse. Carefully sweep up large pieces of broken glass using a broom and dustpan. Keep in mind that pieces can be so small that they can’t be easily seen, so wear shoes as well.
Don’t just throw the shards of glass into a garbage bag, as they can tear that plastic and cause cuts when handling the bag. Put them in a cardboard box instead, which can then be sealed and placed in the trash.
Secure a Temporary Covering
Next, you’ll want to secure the window opening. This could be as simple as taping a tarp or sheet of plastic around the frame. This temporary covering will keep out water and pests and prevent excessive airflow in very hot or cold temperatures. Do this even if the window is shattered but not fully broken.
Reach Out to Your Insurance
Depending on the cause, your window repairs may be covered by your insurance. Filing can be a drawn-out process, so you want to inform your insurance provider that you’re starting a claim as soon as possible.
Let Us Handle Your Broken Window
When you’re in need of repairs or replacement windows, the team at Complete Window Care is here to help. We can provide a rapid response and offer a wide range of window styles and features. Don’t hesitate to reach out now about your broken window.